Influence of 4 drain configurations on fluid dispersal and retrieval in an instillation model.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the pattern of fluid dispersal and retrieval in a novel instillation therapy system. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro experimental study. METHODS: A 10 cm2 square model was constructed using plastic sheeting secured to plexiglass, with a wound infusion catheter and Jackson-Pratt (JP) active suction drain positioned in 4 configurations: parallel, perpendicular, diagonal, and opposite. Fluid was instilled using the wound infusion catheter, allowed to dwell for 10 min, and retrieved using the JP drain. Two surface area calculations were made using imaging software: coloration with diluted methylene blue (MB) on photos, and filling with diluted contrast on fluoroscopic images. Fluid retrieval was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed-effects linear model (p < .05). RESULTS: Configuration influenced fluid dispersion within the model (p = .0001); the diagonal configuration had the greatest surface area coverage (mean ± SD; 94.5 ± 2.4%) and the parallel configuration had the lowest surface area coverage (60.2 ± 2.9%). A dwell period increased fluid dispersal by an average of 4.0 ± 0.8% (p < .0001). Fluid retrieval exceeded 16.7 ± 1.5 mL (83.5 ± 7.5% volume instilled) for all configurations and was 0.5 ± 0.1 mL (2.5 ± 0.5% volume instilled) greater for MB than contrast agent (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Perpendicular or diagonal configurations and low-viscosity fluid maximized fluid dispersion and retrieval. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Wound instillation therapy involves delivering lavage fluid or medications to a closed wound space. This is feasible using a wound-infusion catheter and active suction drain. Configuration should be considered to optimize fluid dispersal and retrieval when planning instillation therapy.

Ex vivo evaluation of a novel cell salvage device to recover canine erythrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of a cell salvage device to recover canine erythrocytes by direct aspiration of diluted packed red blood cells (pRBC) and saline rinse from blood-soaked surgical swabs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twelve recently expired units of canine pRBC. METHODS: pRBC units donated from a pet blood bank (after quality analysis) were diluted with anticoagulant, divided into two equal aliquots, and subsequently harvested by direct suction (Su), or soaked into swabs, saline-rinsed and suctioned (Sw). The volume of product, manual packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell mass (rbcM) were measured and compared before and after salvaging. The rbcM recovery was recorded as percentage ([rbcM post salvage]/[rbcM presalvage]x100). Statistical analysis of all measured values was performed (significance p < .05). RESULTS: No difference was detected between pre- and post-salvage PCV or mean rise of PCV for either group. The volume of salvaged blood was 143 ml (SD ± 2.89 ml; Su) and 139.83 ml (SD ± 3.30 ml; Sw), p < .001. The average rbcM recovered was 88.43% (Su) and 84.74%. (Sw) averaged 84.74% (p = .015). Blood type and order of processing did not influence recovery. CONCLUSION: The tested cell saver device reliably salvages canine blood in this ex vivo setting. Cell salvage via direct suction produces higher volumes of salvaged blood than rinsing blood-soaked swabs and salvaging the flush. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Washing blood-saturated surgical swabs results in a high harvest of red blood cells. The authors recommend it as an adjunct to direct suction to maximize erythrocyte recovery.

Standing laparoscopic abdominal lavage using a suction-irrigation device in 2 horses with primary suppurative peritonitis.

The use of a laparoscopic suction-irrigation device in 2 standing horses for lavage of the abdomen for the treatment of primary suppurative peritonitis is reported. Two horses were presented with a 1- to 2-week history of weight loss. Abdominocentesis revealed highly elevated total nucleated cell count. Peritoneal lavage systems were placed in both horses, but complications prevented adequate lavage. Both horses underwent standing laparoscopy; the dorsal abdomen was explored and the abdomen was profusely lavaged, using a suction-irrigation device. The procedure was efficient and allowed adequate visualization of the dorsal abdomen and lavage. A successful outcome was achieved in both cases. Key clinical message: Lavage of the abdomen of horses with peritonitis can be achieved under standing sedation, using a laparoscopic technique. In appropriately selected cases, this allows for adequate visualization of the dorsal abdomen and efficacious abdominal lavage.

Lavage abdominal laparoscopique debout à l'aide d'un dispositif d'irrigation par aspiration chez deux chevaux atteints de péritonite suppurée primaire. L'utilisation d'un dispositif laparoscopique d'irrigation par aspiration pour le lavage de l'abdomen pour le traitement d'une péritonite suppurée primaire chez deux chevaux debout est rapportée. Deux chevaux ont été présentés avec une histoire de 1 à 2 semaines de perte de poids. L'abdominocentèse a révélé un nombre total de cellules nucléées très élevé. Des systèmes de lavage péritonéal ont été placés chez les deux chevaux, mais des complications ont empêché un lavage adéquat. Les deux chevaux ont subi une laparoscopie debout; l'abdomen dorsal a été exploré, et l'abdomen a été abondamment lavé à l'aide d'un dispositif d'irrigation par aspiration. La procédure était efficace et permettait une visualisation adéquate de l'abdomen dorsal et un lavage. Une résolution positive a été obtenue dans les deux cas.Message clinique clé:Le lavage de l'abdomen de chevaux atteints de péritonite peut être réalisé sous sédation debout, en utilisant une technique laparoscopique. Dans des cas bien choisis, cela permet une visualisation adéquate de l'abdomen dorsal et un lavage abdominal efficace.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Onscreen-guided resection of extra-axial and intra-axial forebrain masses through registration of a variable-suction tissue resection device with a neuronavigation system.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a novel surgical technique in which neuronavigation is used to guide a tissue resection device during excision of forebrain masses in locations difficult to visualize optically. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. ANIMALS: Six dogs and one cat with forebrain masses (five neoplastic, two nonneoplastic) undergoing excision with a novel tissue resection device and veterinary neuronavigation system. METHODS: The animals and resection instrument were coregistered to the neuronavigation system. Surgery was guided by real-time onscreen visualization of the resection instrument position relative to the preoperative MR images. Surgical outcome was evaluated by calculating residual tumor volume according to postoperative MRI. RESULTS: The technique was technically simple and led to the collection of diagnostic tissue samples in all cases. Postoperative MRI was available in six cases, two with gross-total resection, three with near-total resection, and one with subtotal resection. CONCLUSION: Neuronavigation-guided resection of intra-axial and extra-axial brain masses with the resection device resulted in gross-total or near-total resection in five of six animals with tumors otherwise difficult to visualize. Risk of brain shift limited absolute reliance on navigation images. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Real-time neuronavigation assistance is a feasible method for guidance and successful resection of brain masses that are poorly visualized because of intra-axial or deep location, tumor appearance, or hemorrhage.

Use of a cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator for parenchyma-sparing and complex liver resections in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical use of a cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) for the resection of hepatic lesions in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective study. ANIMALS: Eleven client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs requiring a hepatic nodulectomy, segmentectomy, and/or a lobectomy (including complex lobectomies) were enrolled. The number and location of procedures, blood loss, duration of surgery, and short-term complications were recorded. RESULTS: Dogs underwent a mean of 2.3 ± 1.1 procedures. All masses were amenable to surgical excision regardless of their location and their relationship with major hepatic vessels. Dogs lost a median of 77 mL of blood (9.9-161), which corresponded to 4.3% of blood volume (0.8%-23.2%). The dog with the highest blood loss survived without requiring transfusion. The median duration of all CUSA procedures was 33.5 minutes (15-82). Short-term outcomes were assessed for the first 15 days, during which two complications were diagnosed. Cholangiohepatitis was diagnosed in one dog and resolved after medical management, and another dog developed necrotic pancreatitis and died. CONCLUSION: Liver parenchyma-sparing nodulectomies and segmentectomies and liver lobectomies including complex lobectomies were achieved with a CUSA in all dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Use of a CUSA can be considered as an alternative for the removal of hepatic lesions in dogs.

Evaluation of peripheral blood and abdominal fluid variables as predictors of intestinal surgical site failure in dogs with septic peritonitis following celiotomy and the placement of closed-suction abdominal drains.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate peripheral blood and abdominal fluid variables as predictors of intestinal surgical site failure in dogs with septic peritonitis following celiotomy and closed-suction abdominal drain (CSAD) placement. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 26 dogs with septic peritonitis that underwent celiotomy and CSAD placement. PROCEDURES Abdominal fluid and blood samples were collected prior to surgery and daily thereafter until CSAD removal. Abdominal fluid was collected through the CSAD. Analysis of all samples included pH, PCO2, PO2, PCV, WBC count, and total solids, glucose, lactate, and electrolyte concentrations. Abdominal fluid samples also underwent cytologic evaluation and bacterial culture, and the volume of fluid removed through the drain was recorded daily. The blood-to-fluid glucose and lactate differences, fluid-to-blood lactate ratio and blood-to-fluid WBC and neutrophil ratios were determined daily. Dogs were categorized into 2 groups on the basis of whether they had an uneventful recovery (UR) or developed postoperative septic peritonitis (POSP). RESULTS 23 dogs had a UR and 3 developed POSP. On the third day after surgery, the abdominal fluid WBC count was significantly lower and the blood-to-fluid WBC and neutrophil ratios were significantly higher for dogs in the POSP group, compared with those for dogs in the UR group. None of the other blood and abdominal fluid variables assessed differed significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results failed to identify any objective predictive indicators for POSP in dogs with CSADs. Use of blood-to-fluid WBC and neutrophil ratios as predictive indicators for POSP requires further investigation.

Tracheal suctioning improves gas exchange but not hemodynamics in asphyxiated lambs with meconium aspiration.

BACKGROUND: Current neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend tracheal suctioning of nonvigorous neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid. METHODS: We evaluated the effect of tracheal suctioning at birth in 29 lambs with asphyxia induced by cord occlusion and meconium aspiration during gasping. RESULTS: Tracheal suctioning at birth (n = 15) decreased amount of meconium in distal airways (53 ± 29 particles/mm(2) lung area) compared to no suction (499 ± 109 particles/mm(2); n = 14; P < 0.001). Three lambs in the suction group had cardiac arrest during suctioning, requiring chest compressions and epinephrine. Onset of ventilation was delayed in the suction group (146 ± 11 vs. 47 ± 3 s in no-suction group; P = 0.005). There was no difference in pulmonary blood flow, carotid blood flow, and pulmonary or systemic blood pressure between the two groups. Left atrial pressure was significantly higher in the suction group. Tracheal suctioning resulted in higher Pao2/FiO2 levels (122 ± 21 vs. 78 ± 10 mm Hg) and ventilator efficiency index (0.3 ± 0.05 vs.0.16 ± 0.03). Two lambs in the no-suction group required inhaled nitric oxide. Lung 3-nitrotyrosine levels were higher in the suction group (0.65 ± 0.03 ng/µg protein) compared with the no-suction group (0.47 ± 0.06). CONCLUSION: Tracheal suctioning improves oxygenation and ventilation. Suctioning does not improve pulmonary/systemic hemodynamics or oxidative stress in an ovine model of acute meconium aspiration with asphyxia.

Closed suction drainage for treatment of septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin in 20 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine survival rate in dogs with septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin treated with closed suction drainage. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 20) with septic peritonitis. METHODS: Medical records (2007-2010) of dogs with septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin treated by closed suction drainage were reviewed. Information on signalment, clinicopathologic abnormalities, underlying cause, surgical procedure performed, postoperative management, complications, and outcome was obtained. RESULTS: Dehiscence of a previous anastomosis was the most common source of contamination (80%). Drains remained in place, collecting fluid produced within the abdomen, for a median of 6 days (range, 2-11 days). Eighteen dogs received nutritional support, and 14 received plasma transfusions. Seventeen dogs (85%) survived to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Closed suction drainage together with resolution of the underlying cause of peritonitis and appropriate postoperative management is an effective technique for treatment of septic peritonitis of confirmed gastrointestinal origin in dogs.

Evaluation of fluid production and seroma formation after placement of closed suction drains in clean subcutaneous surgical wounds of dogs: 77 cases (2005-2012).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fluid production and factors associated with seroma formation after placement of closed suction drains in clean surgical wounds in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 77 client-owned dogs with a subcutaneous closed suction drain placed following a clean surgical procedure. PROCEDURES: Medical records (January 2005 to June 2012) were reviewed, and signalment, site of surgery and underlying disease process, histologic evaluation results, total drain fluid production, fluid production rate (mL/kg/h) at 12-hour intervals, cytologic evaluation of drain fluid, and development of dehiscence, infection, or seroma were recorded. Associations among variables were evaluated. RESULTS: The most common complication was dehiscence (n = 18), followed by seroma (14) and infection (4). Dogs that developed a seroma had significantly greater total drain fluid volume relative to body weight and greater fluid production rate at 24 and 72 hours as well as the last time point measured before drain removal. Dogs in which drains were removed when fluid production rate was > 0.2 mL/kg/h (0.09 mL/lb/h) were significantly more likely to develop a seroma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Seroma formation was more common in dogs with a higher rate of fluid production relative to body weight, but was not associated with the number of days that a closed suction drain remained in situ. Dogs may be at greater risk of seroma formation if their drains are removed while drainage is still occurring at a rate > 0.2 mL/kg/h.

Comparison of manual and suction pump aspiration techniques for performing bronchoalveolar lavage in 18 dogs with respiratory tract disease.

BACKGROUND: Different aspiration techniques to retrieve bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) affect sample quality in healthy dogs. Studies evaluating these techniques in dogs with respiratory disease are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To compare sample quality of BALF acquired by manual aspiration (MA) and suction pump aspiration (SPA). ANIMALS: Eighteen client-owned dogs with respiratory disease. METHODS: Randomized, blinded prospective clinical trial. Manual aspiration was performed with a 35-mL syringe attached directly to the bronchoscope biopsy channel and SPA was performed with a maximum of 50 mmHg negative pressure applied to the bronchoscope suction valve using the suction trap connection. Both aspiration techniques were performed in each dog on contralateral lung lobes, utilizing 2 mL/kg lavage volumes per site. Samples of BALF were analyzed by percentage of retrieved infusate, total nucleated cell count (TNCC), differential cell count, semiquantitative assessment of slide quality, and diagnosis score. Data were compared by paired Student's t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, chi-squared test, and ANOVA. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to assess agreement. RESULTS: The percentage of retrieved BALF (P = .001) was significantly higher for SPA than MA. Substantial agreement was found between cytologic classification of BALF obtained with MA and SPA (kappa = 0.615). There was no significant difference in rate of definitive diagnosis achieved with cytologic assessment between techniques (P = .78). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Suction pump aspiration, compared to MA, improved BALF retrieval, but did not significantly affect the rate of diagnostic success of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in dogs with pulmonary disease.

In vitro embryo production in goats: Slaughterhouse and laparoscopic ovum pick up-derived oocytes have different kinetics and requirements regarding maturation media.

A total of 3427 goat oocytes were used in this study to identify possible differences during in vitro embryo production from slaughterhouse or laparoscopic ovum pick up (LOPU) oocytes. In experiment 1, one complex, one semi-defined, and one simplified IVM media were compared using slaughterhouse oocytes. In experiment 2, we checked the effect of oocyte origin (slaughterhouse or LOPU) on the kinetics of maturation (18 vs. 22 vs. 26 hours) when submitted to semi-defined or simplified media. In experiment 3, we determined the differences in embryo development between slaughterhouse and LOPU oocytes when submitted to both media and then to IVF or parthenogenetic activation (PA). Embryos from all groups were vitrified, and their viability evaluated in vitro after thawing. In experiment 1, no difference (P > 0.05) was detected among treatments for maturation rate (metaphase II [MII]; 88% on average), cleavage (72%), blastocyst from the initial number of cumulus oocyte complexes (46%) or from the cleaved ones (63%), hatching rate (69%), and the total number of blastomeres (187). In experiment 2, there was no difference of MII rate between slaughterhouse oocytes cultured for 18 or 22 hours, whereas the MII rate increased significantly (P < 0.05) between 18 and 22 hours for LOPU oocytes in the simplified medium. Moreover, slaughterhouse oocytes cultured in simplified medium matured significantly faster than LOPU oocytes at 18 and 22 hours (P < 0.05). In experiment 3, cleavage rate was significantly greater (P < 0.001) in all four groups of embryos produced by PA than IVF. Interestingly, PA reached similar rates for slaughterhouse oocytes cultured in both media, but improved (P < 0.05) the cleavage rate of LOPU oocytes. Slaughterhouse oocytes had acceptable cleavage rate after IVF (∼67%), whereas LOPU oocytes displayed a lower one (∼38%), in contrast to cleavage after PA. The percentage of blastocysts in relation to cleaved embryos was not affected by the origin of the oocytes (P > 0.05). Therefore, slaughterhouse oocytes developed a greater proportion of blastocysts than LOPU ones, expressed as the percentage of total cumulus oocyte complexes entering to IVM. Vitrified-thawed blastocysts presented similar survival and hatching rates between the oocyte origin, media, or method of activation. In conclusion, slaughterhouse and LOPU derived oocytes may have different IVM kinetics and require different IVM and IVF conditions. Although the IVM and IVF systems still need improvements to enhance embryo yield, the in vitro development step is able to generate good quality embryos from LOPU-derived oocytes.

Comparison of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained by manual aspiration with a handheld syringe with that obtained by automated suction pump aspiration from healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid obtained by manual aspiration (MA) with a handheld syringe with that obtained by suction pump aspiration (SPA) in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: 13 adult Beagles. PROCEDURES: Each dog was anesthetized and bronchoscopic BAL was performed. The MA technique was accomplished with a 35-mL syringe attached to the bronchoscope biopsy channel. The SPA technique was achieved with negative pressure (5 kPa) applied to the bronchoscope suction valve with a disposable suction trap. Both aspiration techniques were performed in each dog in randomized order on opposite caudal lung lobes. Two 1 mL/kg aliquots of warm saline (0.9% NaCl) solution were infused per site. For each BAL fluid sample, the percentage of retrieved fluid was calculated, the total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and differential cell count were determined, and semiquantitative assessment of slide quality was performed. Comparisons were made between MA and SPA techniques for each outcome. RESULTS: 1 dog was removed from the study because of illness. The mean percentage of fluid retrieved (mean difference, 23%) and median TNCC (median distribution of differences, 100 cells/µL) for samples obtained by SPA were significantly greater than those for samples obtained by MA. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In healthy dogs, BAL by SPA resulted in a significantly higher percentage of fluid retrieval and samples with a higher TNCC than did MA. Further evaluation of aspiration techniques in dogs with respiratory tract disease is required to assess whether SPA improves the diagnostic yield of BAL samples.

Chromatin and cytoplasmic characteristics of equine oocytes recovered by transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration are influenced by the developmental stage of their follicle of origin.

Dynamic follicular changes occur during the equine estrus cycle, but little is known about their impact on the properties of recovered oocytes. The aim of this study was to characterize the cytoplasmic and chromatin status of equine oocytes in relation to the time of recovery during the follicle wave. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration was performed two times in relation to the follicle wave: estrus-subordinate, from the subordinate follicles of mares in estrus, 24 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation of a dominant preovulatory follicle, and new-wave, from the follicles of the subsequent induced follicular wave, at the time of dominant follicle divergence (largest follicle 23 mm diameter). A total of 1011 follicles were aspirated. The oocyte recovery rate in the new-wave group was significantly lower than that for the estrus-subordinate group (12% vs. 26%, respectively); this was associated with a significantly higher proportion of oocytes with compact cumuli (44% vs. 27%, respectively). Estradiol concentrations were markedly higher in follicular fluid from new-wave follicles (885.6 ± 123.2 ng/mL vs. 54.3 ± 18.9 ng/mL, for estrus-subordinate; P < 0.001), indicating greater viability. Aspiration group did not affect glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in recovered oocytes. Fibrillar (more juvenile) chromatin was more prevalent in new-wave oocytes, whereas estrus-subordinate oocytes showed more condensed chromatin or resumption of meiosis (P < 0.05). Mitochondrial activity was higher in oocytes with expanded cumuli in the new-wave group, but not in the estrus-subordinate group. In conclusion, our results clearly showed that the time of aspiration in relation to the follicle wave is associated with significant differences in follicle status and oocyte characteristics: new-wave oocytes were from a more viable follicle population and had more juvenile chromatin and cytoplasmic characteristics, whereas estrus-subordinate oocytes were from a more atretic follicle population and exhibited signs of atresia-related acquisition of meiotic and cytoplasmic competence. These findings will help in effective scheduling of oocyte recovery for equine-assisted reproduction techniques.

Comparison of sternal, iliac, and humeral bone marrow aspiration in Beagle dogs.

BACKGROUND: Sternal bone marrow aspiration in dogs is not commonly performed as it is considered technically challenging in smaller dogs. However, the sternum is readily accessible and associated with less pain from aspiration compared with other sites. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate feasibility, ease, number of attempts, safety, and sample quality of sternal bone marrow aspirates in small dogs. METHODS: Bone marrow aspirates were obtained in a randomized order from 3 sites in 26 clinically healthy Beagles under general anesthesia. Samples were obtained from the sternum using one-inch 20- or 22-gauge hypodermic needles, from the right greater tubercle of the humerus, and the right iliac crest using 18-gauge Illinois needles. The difficulty of each procedure was scored. Two types of bone marrow smears were prepared and reviewed by a pathologist unaware of site of aspiration or dog. The number of particles per slide and overall slide quality were scored. The site of aspiration and the cranial thoracic wall were evaluated at autopsy for evidence of trauma or pneumothorax. RESULTS: The number of attempts and time for bone marrow aspiration were greater for ilium than for sternum or humerus, but the sternum was the easiest to aspirate. Smear quality and particle number were similar for all sites. Neither trauma at the site of aspiration nor pneumothorax were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Aspiration of sternal bone marrow with hypodermic needles is feasible and safe in Beagle dogs. Samples equivalent in quality to those from the humerus or ilium can be obtained from clinically normal dogs.

Comparison between manual aspiration via polyethylene tubing and aspiration via a suction pump with a suction trap connection for performing bronchoalveolar lavage in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic quality of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid acquired from healthy dogs by manual aspiration via polyethylene tubing (MAPT) and via suction pump aspiration (SPA) with a suction trap connection. ANIMALS: 12 healthy adult Beagles. PROCEDURES: BAL was performed with bronchoscopic guidance in anesthetized dogs. The MAPT was performed with a 35-mL syringe attached to polyethylene tubing wedged in a bronchus via the bronchoscope's biopsy channel. The SPA was performed with 5 kPa of negative pressure applied to the bronchoscope's suction valve via a suction trap. The MAPT and SPA techniques were performed in randomized order on opposite caudal lung lobes of each dog. Two 1 mL/kg lavages were performed per site. Samples of BAL fluid were analyzed on the basis of a semiquantitative quality scale, percentage of retrieved fluid, and total nucleated and differential cell counts. Results were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS: Percentage of BAL fluid retrieved (median difference, 16.2%), surfactant score (median difference, 1), and neutrophil count (median difference, 74 cells/µL) were significantly higher for SPA than for MAPT. A higher BAL fluid epithelial cell score was obtained via MAPT, compared with that for samples obtained via SPA (median difference, 1). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that in healthy dogs, SPA provided a higher percentage of BAL fluid retrieval than did MAPT. The SPA technique may improve the rate of diagnostic success for BAL in dogs, compared with that for MAPT. Further evaluation of these aspiration techniques in dogs with respiratory tract disease is required.

Occurrence and characteristics of residual follicles formed after transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration in cattle.

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicle aspiration is used to recover cumulus-oocyte complexes (for IVF) and to synchronize follicular wave emergence (ablation of dominant follicle). Although aspirated follicles are generally supposed to undergo immediate atresia, there are indications that they may remain active. The objective was to evaluate the occurrence and characteristics of residual follicles (RF) after transvaginal follicle aspiration in cattle. Ovarian follicular wave emergence was synchronized in Holstein cows (N = 13) in the presence (groups 1 and 3) or absence (groups 2 and 4) of norgestomet implants. The largest follicle was aspirated at a diameter of 8 mm (groups 1 and 2) or 12 mm (groups 3 and 4). Ovarian follicles were visualized (transrectal ultrasonography) every 12 h after wave emergence. Follicular fluid samples were collected from the largest follicle and from the ensuing RF and concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were determined. After aspiration, 73.2% (52/71) of the follicles refilled with fluid, and a new antrum was detected 12 to 24 h later. Norgestomet did not affect (P > 0.05) RF occurrence or diameter, but in RF from group 4, concentrations of estradiol decreased (-530.7 ± 133.9 ng/mL; P < 0.01) whereas progesterone increased (+429.6 ± 171.7 ng/mL; P < 0.05) relative to preaspiration. In RF, there were three steroidogenesis patterns: (1) high estradiol concentration and high estradiol:progesterone ratio (estradiol-active RF); (2) low estradiol, but high progesterone concentrations (luteinized RF); and (3) low estradiol and low progesterone concentrations (inactive RF). Estradiol-active RF were more likely (P < 0.05) from follicles with high estradiol concentrations (regardless of diameter). In conclusion, fluid-filled structures (RF) with variable steroid production patterns are frequently formed after ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration. The occurrence and features of these RF depended on the diameter and status of these follicles before aspiration.

Effect of follicular aspiration just before ovulation on corpus luteum characteristics, circulating progesterone concentrations and uterine receptivity in single-ovulating and superstimulated heifers.

The aim of this study was to investigate, in unstimulated and superstimulated heifers, the effect of follicle aspiration just before ovulation on corpus luteum (CL) development, circulating progesterone (P(4)) concentrations and the ability of the uterus to support embryo development. Following follicle aspiration or ovulation timed from GNRH administration, CL development was assessed by daily ultrasonography, and CL function was assessed in terms of the capacity to produce P(4) and the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis in luteal tissue. The capacity of the uterine environment to support conceptus development was assessed following transfer and recovery of in vitro-produced embryos. Follicular aspiration just before the expected time of ovulation leads to a significant reduction in CL diameter, CL area and area of luteal tissue. This was associated with a decrease in circulating P(4) in both unstimulated and superstimulated heifers. Follicle aspiration leads to a reduction in conceptus length and area on day 14 in unstimulated heifers only. Follicle aspiration leads to a reduction in the expression of LHCGR in luteal tissue from unstimulated heifers compared with those in which the CL formed after ovulation. Superstimulation significantly reduced the expression of STAR in luteal tissue in both ovulated and follicle-aspirated heifers. In conclusion, in stimulated and unstimulated heifers, aspiration of the preovulatory dominant follicle(s) just before expected ovulation interferes with the subsequent formation and function of the CL, in terms of size and P(4) output and this, in turn, is associated with a reduced capacity of the uterus to support conceptus elongation in unstimulated heifers.

Intraoperative contamination of the suction tip in clean orthopedic surgeries in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) determine suction tip (intermittent and continuous mode) contamination rate in orthopedic surgery in dogs and cats; (2) examine the effect of surgical time on contamination; and (3) report bacteria isolated. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Clean orthopedic surgeries (n = 50). METHODS: Surgical procedures were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) continuous (n = 25) or (2) intermittent suction (n = 25). A control suction was operated in each surgery. Samples for aerobic and anaerobic bacteriologic examination were collected from the surgical suction at 0, 20, 60 minutes, and at the end of surgery, and from the control suction at the end of the surgery only. Comparison of continuous and intermittent suction data, and the effect of surgical time on contamination rate were analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis followed by a Cox proportional hazards model. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Aerobic contamination occurred in 22 of 50 surgical procedures and there was no anaerobic growth. There was no significant difference between continuous and intermittent suction mode groups (P = .40). Surgical time did not influence the contamination rate (P = .79). Bacterial cultures mainly revealed coagulase-negative Staphylococci, however multiresistant bacteria were isolated. CONCLUSIONS: We failed to find superiority of the intermittent operation mode of the suction tip over the continuous mode. A safe time frame before contamination of the suction tip occurs that could not be defined.

Transtracheal aspiration and infusion in the horse.

Transtracheal access enables researchers to obtain diagnostic samples from or infuse materials into the lower respiratory tract. This column describes transtracheal aspiration and infusion of horses.